The Third Annual Green Stride Half Marathon in Newburyport, Massachusetts—Great Course and Superior OrganizationOne of the best races is striving to be even better. This is a "Race full of Awesomeness". Enter now and you have a shot at the daily raffle (for the month of August) to win a pair of Brooks running shoes every day this month. Just entering this race is winning, with eco-friendly organization, custom green Tech-T's, gorgeous finisher's medals, and a rockin' post race party with lots of beer and live music!

They have had two years of great success. And this year they are adding more cash prizes (top five) and adding cash prizes for masters. They are making some beneficial tweaks to the USATF-certified course; and your wonderful Green Stride Newburyport Half Marathon and Relay is set for October 20, 2013. Green Stride is dedicated to using eco-friendly standards in race management while providing a tremendously enjoyable event with an awesome post race party. "Run the Newburyport Half Marathon and help save the planet."

The third annual Newburyport Green Stride Half Marathon continues their creative and innovative approach to racing and race management, and they will be providing one of the finast New England half marathons--and there are many. They also present a two-person and four-person relay. Yes, this is one of the best events for New England runners in a region known for outstanding races. And they know how to celebrate: the post race party will have excellent food, lots of beer, and live music from several bands that will keep things rockin' in historic Newburyport.

The very popular half marathon distance is the main event, of course, but in an inclusive way they are also providing a two-person and a four-person relay--but don't delay in registering because they can only accept 100 relay teams and they will sell out. But if you are fortunate enough to get in, the relay runners get the same wonderful perks as the 13.1 runners.

Green Stride is dedicated to green racing and convenient running. This is an event created by and presented by runners for runners. The Bailins head up this terrific organization and they know what runners want--they have competed in hundreds of races at a very high level and they have applied all they have learned over the years. And believe me, that is to your benefit.

And not only that, they are dedicated to green events and to several important charitable causes for the region. They have raised thousands of dollars for charity in the first two years of the Green Stride Newburyport Half Marathon, and this year they hope to do even more.

Hundreds of participants from the first two years can tell you that the event and the party were outstanding. They have created an enjoyable and environmentally friendly event; and now it is a proven successful formula that will be taken to the next level. Newburyport has been recognized by governor Duval Patrick as an exceptional green city and one in the forefront of green energy. This event helps to enhance that reputation. And the course is gorgeous and historic, not to mention flat and fast.

“This race is full of awesomeness for runners of all levels.”

Green Stride works hard on ecological concepts in events and also convenience for runners--and outstanding value too. They have arranged for packet pick up on either Friday, 10/18/13 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. or Saturday, 10/19/13 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.--both days at the greater Boston Running Company at 27 Water Street, Newburyport.

In addition to outstanding organization and planning, they are committed to promoting an eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle. Many businesses will sponsor and participate in this event, providing or presenting green initiatives, highlighting the advantages of, and raising awareness for, the benefits of living and running in a green community.

As Green Stride knows, runners just want to have fun--racing fun and party fun. But they feel even better knowing the race is green. The beautiful course will offer running thrills and enjoyment. The organization is conscientous about our environment. And the party with terrific craft beer--they promise not to run out--and sustainable food will put the finishing touches on a wonderful experience.

Last year Susan Pohlmeyer of San Mateo, California led the women in 1:22:18. Kelly Bradbury of Newburyport won the women's masters crown with 1:32:53 for the second year in a row. Thomas Young of Boston won the men's race in 1:11:09; and Joe Gurczak, also running on home streets, won the master's in 1:22:44. In the inaugural year of 2011 Nate Jenkins led the way for the men with his 1:08:40; Caroline Bjune was the women's winner with a strong 1:21:49. Both are from nearby Andover, Massachusetts, although there were runners from many states in the mix.

Cash prizes will once again be offered for the top five women and men, and the top prize has been increased to $1,000. And age group awards will be provided in 5-year divisions. Of course there will be separate prizes for the two-person and four person relay teams. There will be $4,500 in prize money for the top five women and men, and top masters, and five year age group prizes along with prizes for the best “Green Theme” team and individuals.

The course will be changed slightly, and recertified by USATF, to better accommodate the larger field and course markings and mile markers will be very prominent and visible. Likewise the race headquarters venue will be changed to the Towle Building, 260 Merrimac Street, Newburyport 01950--near the harbor and the Merrimack River and very close to the North End Boat Club on Towle Street where the start and finish will be located.

This race, which will once again run on a great course during peak foliage season, will begin at a reasonable 11:00 a.m. The post race celebration will be conveniently set in early afternoon. Racing is big in this city by the sea, which hosts some of the best road racing--and running options--in a region known as the national hotbed of running; the Yankee Homecoming races, for example, just sped through town on July 30.

There will be cash prizes, live music and great beer for the post race party from Peak Organic, one of the sponsors, along with terrific post race food and many other amenities.

More on the Newburyport Green Stride Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay
Newburyport will be beautiful on October 20; it is lovely and very pleasant and scenic year round--what history with this little seaport. And the course will be inviting. In addition to Peak Organic Beers (they promise not to run out), several other local brewers will be participating, and the post race food will be outstanding while you enjoy the music and the special Newburyport atmosphere.

This race is for individuals of all abilities—friendly for all paces and experience levels. And if you are not up to the complete 13.1 there are two classes of relay teams—the four-person and two-person. Members will run respectively about 5K or 10K each.

As you would expect from “Green Stride”, the T-shirts for the first 500 to register will be unique and eco friendly, uniquely commemorative, comfortable, attractive and practicable race wear. Those who are not among the first 500 will receive all organic cotton T-shirts. You may be surprised at the innovative ways in which they are making this one of the greenest races in the country. You will also love the unique finisher's medal.

This is a counter-clockwise, mostly flat, USATF-certified loop course starting on Towle Street near the waterfront. See the course map with street listing (there have been a few tweaks) on the Race Website http://www.newburyporthalfmarathon.com/. The Website has detailed information on the course and profile with aid stations and relay transitions, sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, accommodations, charities, participant perks, parking and directions, FAQ's, awards, info on race directors, and more. As they say, “This race is full of awesomeness for runners of all levels.”

"What a lovely little city with historic buildings and the harbor; and brilliant foliage throughout the course."

After you register you will receive regular e-mail updates and information. And remember the daily raffle for Brooks shoes and keep an eye on the race website for announcements of winners.

Don’t Miss the Third Annual Green Stride Newburyport Half Marathon and Relay
Join a few thousand friends for this event, a must-do on October 20, 2013, starting at 11:00 a.m. in one of the most beautiful of coastal towns, Newburyport. This event is unique and it is your half marathon in an historic setting with all the glory of New England autumn. Runners of all ages and all paces will have a great tour along the waterfront and throughout the neighborhoods with historic buildings and homes--a very scenic course.

Run this half marathon and see what benefits green racing can bring. This course, especially this time of year, will prove memorable. And if you like to party following your runs, well.... They have planned well for you. It will be a gem once again, only bigger and better—be there. http://www.newburyporthalfmarathon.com/